This year's wide receiver group is an above-average class with the addition of several juniors who are expected to be selected in the top 100 choices.
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POSITION GRADE B-
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Junior receivers Malcolm Kelly and DeSean Jackson may be the first two players selected at this position in the middle of the first round. There will be at least three No. 1 picks with prospects like Early Doucet, James Hardy and Earl Bennett hoping for strong performances at the NFL Combine.
This class lacks a prospect the caliber of Calvin Johnson from last year, but it is a deep class through the middle rounds. This group should supply 20+ starters to the NFL in time.

Wide Receiver Rankings

1. Malcolm Kelly, 6-4, 220, Oklahoma
This big, athletic prospect flashed playmaking ability over his career. He looks to impress at the NFL Combine in February.

2. DeSean Jackson, 5-11, 165, California
Jackson is an all-purpose playmaker. He can be an impact performer as a receiver or return specialist.

3. Early Doucet, 6-0, 210, LSU
This national championship winner had a good week at the Senior Bowl. A strong Combine showing will move him into the group of elite receivers in this class.

4. Mario Manningham, 5-11, 180, Michigan
Manningham has been a fine playmaker during his Big Ten career, and he is physically ready for the NFL game.

5. James Hardy, 6-6, 220, Indiana
Hardy is a huge receiver who was a force for the Hoosiers in the Big Ten. He has the physical skills to play in the NFL immediately.

6. Earl Bennett, 6-1, 202, Vanderbilt
This underclassman completed a tremendous career in the SEC. He looks to impress NFL personnel at the Combine.

7. Adarius Bowman, 6-3, 220, Oklahoma State
Bowman is a physically talented receiver. He looks to impress at the NFL Combine after an average performance at the Senior Bowl.

8. Limas Sweed, 6-4, 215, Texas
Sweed is a physical wideout who opted out of the Senior Bowl with a recurring wrist injury. The wrist injury may jeopardize his participation in the Combine.

9. Donnie Avery, 5-11, 185, Houston
This fast senior receiver has a chance to impress at the NFL Combine events. A nice showing could move him further up in this class.

10. Keenan Burton, 6-1, 205, Kentucky
Talented receiver/return specialist has shown big-play ability in both roles, but must prove that he has recovered from late-season knee problems to rank higher.

11. Devin Thomas, 6-1, 210, Michigan State
This fast junior receiver has come on nicely this season, showing big-play ability as both a receiver and returner.

12. DJ Hall, 6-2, 190, Alabama
Hall has good height, weight and speed. He is an athletic prospect who could have a big NFL Combine performance.

13. Andre Caldwell, 6-0, 205, Florida
Caldwell is an agile receiver who has sure hands and a good understanding of the passing game. His stock could climb further prior to the draft.

14. Marcus Smith, 6-1, 215, New Mexico
This fast, athletic senior has developed quickly at this position. He looks to complete his fast rise up the charts with a big NFL Combine workout.

15. Lavelle Hawkins, 5-11, 185, California
Hawkins is an explosive slot receiver who has developed nicely in the potent Cal passing game. He is one of the rising performers at this position after his big Senior Bowl effort.

16. Jordy Nelson, 6-2, 215, Kansas State
Nelson is former walk-on who developed into a big, agile receiver. He displayed good versatility and playmaking ability over his final season.

Here we are kinda screwed. I really like Doucet but I can't see him falling to us. Bowman has had off field drug issues and I don't know if we want to take that chance. Don't know much about Marcus Monk but he is tall. And I know everyone likes James Hardy but I don't trust any player from Illinois.

I could see us taking Davone Bess as a future Ward type player and Paul Hubbard would give Ben his "Tall" WR he wants. Another option is a guy we can look at as a free agent small school prospect in 6'5" 219 lb. Micah Rucker from Eastern Illinois.

lamberts-lost-tooth

02-09-2008, 03:29 PM

Here we are kinda screwed. I really like Doucet but I can't see him falling to us. Bowman has had off field drug issues and I don't know if we want to take that chance. Don't know much about Marcus Monk but he is tall. And I know everyone likes James Hardy but I don't trust any player from Illinois.

I could see us taking Davone Bess as a future Ward type player and Paul Hubbard would give Ben his "Tall" WR he wants. Another option is a guy we can look at as a free agent small school prospect in 6'5" 219 lb. Micah Rucker from Eastern Illinois.

Hardy and Monk reportedly run about a 4.60 ...Paul Hubbard on the other hand is projected to run between a 4.43 to 4.49. Reports on Limas Sweed are all over the board, anywhere from a 4.3 to 4.6...but if his speed in near 4.5 and he slips because of the wrist injury...we HAVE to take him. He is Steeler material...humble and hardworking.

lilyoder6

02-09-2008, 03:38 PM

jordy nelson had a very good yr at k-state.. he will be a good slot wr.

xXTheSteelKingsXx

02-09-2008, 04:31 PM

Does anyone know where Hardy is projected?

Rhee Rhee

02-11-2008, 04:20 AM

Hardy and Monk reportedly run about a 4.60 ...Paul Hubbard on the other hand is projected to run between a 4.43 to 4.49. Reports on Limas Sweed are all over the board, anywhere from a 4.3 to 4.6...but if his speed in near 4.5 and he slips because of the wrist injury...we HAVE to take him. He is Steeler material...humble and hardworking.

ur talking about in the second right?

lamberts-lost-tooth

02-11-2008, 06:12 AM

Does anyone know where Hardy is projected?

Late 1st to early 2nd.

lamberts-lost-tooth

02-11-2008, 06:15 AM

ur talking about in the second right?

At this point..until after the combine... its hard to say. If alot of the OT value falls and will be available in the 2nd round...and since their is apparantly little Guard value in the 1st round, then you have to go with best player in the first round.

MDSteel15

02-11-2008, 07:10 PM

At this point..until after the combine... its hard to say. If alot of the OT value falls and will be available in the 2nd round...and since their is apparantly little Guard value in the 1st round, then you have to go with best player in the first round.

There aren't any Gaurds rated to go in the 1st.

Lord Stiller

02-11-2008, 07:34 PM

If Hardy is still there with our 2nd rd pick, take him!

xXTheSteelKingsXx

02-11-2008, 09:41 PM

If Hardy is still there with our 2nd rd pick, take him!

Thats what I was thinking. Ben gets his big receiver and we gave a replacement for Ward. But by the sound of it unless he has a poor combine he will be gone be our second pick.

Rhee Rhee

02-12-2008, 02:40 AM

aside from hardy sweed is the only "tall" reciever i consider worth taking... the others have waay to many question marks about character and speed...

by tall i mean 6'4+

Elvis

02-14-2008, 10:37 AM

The more I hear and read about this guy the more I like him..
Early Doucet WR 6?1 210 LSU

By: Robert Davis

Doucet began his career at LSU with big time expectations to live up to. As a freshman he showed his big play big potential by hauling in 18 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns. As a sophomore he caught 26 passes for 389 yards and five touchdowns. Despite sharing the ball with Craig Davis and Dwayne Bowe as a junior, he evolved into the force many expected him to be coming through with 59 catches for 772 yards and 10 touchdowns. A groin injury hindered Doucet as a senior, but he still managed to come through with 50 catches for 474 yards and four touchdowns.
Doucet is a player that has all the talent in the world, and he?s just looking for the chance to be the man. He has the frame to go over the middle, take a hit, and hold on to the football. He combines that with very good speed, and athleticism and the ability to make plays with the ball in his hands. Doucet has also had success on returns, and will provide big play ability on special teams as well.
Doucet has had other talented receivers around him to take pressure off, but this year everyone was watching him. He needed to prove he could be a goto receiver in an offense but he was slowed by injuries. He has also dropped a few passes from time to time and will need to become more consistent. Doucet was a big time recruit and has the talent to become a first round pick, but he never showed the consistency or proved he can be a the #1 target for a QB. That may not be his fault entirely, as he played with two first rounders last year and was injured this year, but he still did not take full advantage of the opportunity he had this year. Workouts could still end up making him a first rounder, but he needs a big post season to solidify his stock.

Elvis

02-14-2008, 10:41 AM

With the Steelers needing OL and DL help the most, I know it probably wont happen, but the WR spot would be a nice addition also early on this upcoming draft. And Mike Mayock has compared Early Ducet to Hines Ward with his physical play. Cant be all bad huh?..
:thumbsup:

MDSteel15

02-14-2008, 10:09 PM

Elvis, I finally agree with you on something. We do need OL and DL. But if Doucet is there I can't see any viable reason to pass him by! If he is as tough as Hines, he HAS to be a Steeler... I've heard we are talking to or about talking to Justin Smith from Cincy, GREAT! They only have 2 good defensive players and they both are FAs. He comes here we don't draft a DE. :banana:

Elvis

02-15-2008, 06:44 AM

Elvis, I finally agree with you on something. We do need OL and DL. But if Doucet is there I can't see any viable reason to pass him by! If he is as tough as Hines, he HAS to be a Steeler... I've heard we are talking to or about talking to Justin Smith from Cincy, GREAT! They only have 2 good defensive players and they both are FAs. He comes here we don't draft a DE. :banana:

Hey... thanks alot for finally seeing through the fog..:wink02:
Can you fill me in on where you have seen that the Steelers are talking to or about getting Smith from the Bengals? I really dont know if I would take, well I know I Wouldnt, a WR no.1 if there is a OT sitting there that is very highly rated like Cherilous or Williams. How old is Justin Smith anyway?

Elvis

02-15-2008, 06:51 AM

Justin Smith is a Unrestricted Free Agent from the Bengals and he will turn
29 on Sept. 30. Which isnt bad, so maybe he would be a nice fit here.

lamberts-lost-tooth

02-15-2008, 09:29 AM

Originally Posted by lamberts-lost-tooth
At this point..until after the combine... its hard to say. If alot of the OT value falls and will be available in the 2nd round...and since their is apparantly little Guard value in the 1st round, then you have to go with best player in the first round.

There aren't any Gaurds rated to go in the 1st.

Agreed...See the Bold in the my original comment...I have seen that Chilo Rachal, from USC is now predicted to go in the first in some drafts...and other drafts are predicting that his combine will put him in the 1st round.

MDSteel15

02-15-2008, 06:32 PM

Hey... thanks alot for finally seeing through the fog..:wink02:
Can you fill me in on where you have seen that the Steelers are talking to or about getting Smith from the Bengals? I really dont know if I would take, well I know I Wouldnt, a WR no.1 if there is a OT sitting there that is very highly rated like Cherilous or Williams. How old is Justin Smith anyway?

It was on a Bengals site. A friend of mine brought it up at work the other day.

Rhee Rhee

02-22-2008, 02:27 AM

There aren't any Gaurds rated to go in the 1st.

IMO branden albert and chilo rachal both warrant 1st round picks...

Rhee Rhee

02-22-2008, 02:30 AM

The more I hear and read about this guy the more I like him..
Early Doucet WR 6?1 210 LSU

i agree completely... im hoping he runs a 4.55 or worse... that way we can snatch him with our second round pickk... :tt02::banana:

Elvis

03-23-2008, 07:41 AM

3. Early Doucet, 6-0, 210, LSU
This national championship winner had a good week at the Senior Bowl. A strong Combine showing will move him into the group of elite receivers in this class.

4. Mario Manningham, 5-11, 180, Michigan
Manningham has been a fine playmaker during his Big Ten career, and he is physically ready for the NFL game.

5. James Hardy, 6-6, 220, Indiana
Hardy is a huge receiver who was a force for the Hoosiers in the Big Ten. He has the physical skills to play in the NFL immediately.

6. Earl Bennett, 6-1, 202, Vanderbilt
This underclassman completed a tremendous career in the SEC. He looks to impress NFL personnel at the Combine.

7. Adarius Bowman, 6-3, 220, Oklahoma State
Bowman is a physically talented receiver. He looks to impress at the NFL Combine after an average performance at the Senior Bowl.

8. Limas Sweed, 6-4, 215, Texas
Sweed is a physical wideout who opted out of the Senior Bowl with a recurring wrist injury. The wrist injury may jeopardize his participation in the Combine.

I think that any of these guys could make a good impact for the steelers, but I would be real reluctant about chosing Bowman